rf Surface acoustic wave filter and duplexer using same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An SAW filter and a duplexer excellent in electrical characteristics will be provided. An SAW filter has a piezoelectric substrate 40, a surface acoustic wave element 10 having a first IDT electrode 1 on the piezoelectric substrate 40, a first signal line 31 electrically connected to the first IDT electrode 1, and a ring-shaped reference potential line 9 which has a first intersecting portion intersecting with the first signal line 31 through an insulation member 41 and surrounds the surface acoustic wave element 10. Full Article
rf Surface acoustic wave resonator, surface acoustic wave oscillator, and electronic apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT A surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator and a SAW oscillator and an electronic apparatus including the resonator are to be provided. A SAW resonator includes: an IDT exciting a SAW using a quartz crystal substrate of Euler angles (−1.5°≦φ≦1.5°, 117°≦θ≦142°, 42.79°≦|ψ|≦49.57°); one pair of reflection units arranged so as allow the IDT to be disposed therebetween; and grooves acquired by depressing the quartz crystal substrate located between electrode fingers. When a wavelength of the SAW is λ, and a depth of the grooves is G, “0.01λ≦G” is satisfied. Full Article
rf Fabric for forming a paper web having an embossed surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A fabric for forming a fibrous paper web having an embossed surface is provided that includes at least longitudinal and transverse threads interwoven with one another in a weave repeat defining a machine side and a paper side. Some of the longitudinal threads form embossing threads having projecting paper side floats on the paper side of the fabric passing over more than one transverse thread. The fabric includes at least a first woven fabric layer forming the paper side on its outside and having longitudinal and transverse first threads interwoven with one another and a second woven fabric layer forming the machine side on its outside and having longitudinal and transverse second threads interwoven with one another. At least some of the longitudinal second threads form embossing threads, which penetrate the first woven fabric layer for forming the paper side floats and connect the two woven fabric layers. Full Article
rf Evaporator surface structure of a circulating fluidized bed boiler and a circulating fluidized bed boiler with such an evaporator surface structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An evaporator surface structure of a circulating fluidized bed boiler having a furnace that is enclosed by sidewalls and has a bottom and a ceiling. The evaporator surface structure includes at least one vertical and separate evaporator surface unit that is spaced apart from the sidewalls of the furnace. The at least one evaporator surface unit (i) is formed of planar water tube panels that extend from the bottom of the furnace to the ceiling of the furnace, and (ii) consists of two cross-wise joined vertical water tube panels. Full Article
rf Stack of interfolded first and second sheets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A stack of hygiene sheet products including first and second webs that are interfolded with each other. The stack includes a top panel of the first web and a top panel of the second web, wherein the top panel of the first web overlays the top panel of the second web but has been cut away so that the top panel of the second web is revealed by the top panel of the first web. An adherence layer is placed on the top panel of the first web and the top panel of the second web and is exposed at the top of the stack so that it can adhere to an adjacent stack so that when the last sheets of the adjacent stack are pulled through a dispenser opening of a dispenser, the first and second sheets are pulled securely through with it as a result of the direct adherence. Full Article
rf Systems and methods for RFID-enabled dispenser By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods, apparatuses and systems for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection are disclosed, including an enclosure, a collector coupled to the enclosure, an interrogator, a processor, and one or more RFID field sensors, each having an individual identification, disposed within the enclosure. In operation, the interrogator transmits an incident signal to the collector, causing the collector to generate an electromagnetic field within the enclosure. The electromagnetic field is affected by one or more influences. RFID sensors respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting reflected signals containing the individual identifications of the responding RFID sensors to the interrogator. The interrogator receives the reflected signals, measures one or more returned signal strength indications (“RSSI”) of the reflected signals and sends the RSSI measurements and identification of the responding RFID sensors to the processor to determine one or more facts about the influences. Other embodiments are also described. Full Article
rf Method for producing electrically-conducting material with modified surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method to inexpensively and efficiently produce conductive materials on the surface of which a nano-level fine structure is formed includes surface modification including immersing a stable anode electrode and a workpiece as a cathode electrode, the workpiece including a conductive material with a work surface, in an electrolytic solution, then applying a voltage not less than a first voltage and less than a second voltage between the stable anode electrode and the workpiece as the cathode electrode immersed in the electrolytic solution, thereby modifying the work surface, the first voltage being a voltage corresponding to a current value that is ½ of the sum of a first maximum current value appearing first in a positive voltage region and a first minimum current value appearing first in the positive voltage region with respect to voltage-current characteristics of a surface modification treatment system, the second voltage exhibiting a complete-state plasma. Full Article
rf Electric-field enhanced performance in catalysis and solid-state devices involving gases By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Electrode configurations for electric-field enhanced performance in catalysis and solid-state devices involving gases are provided. According to an embodiment, electric-field electrodes can be incorporated in devices such as gas sensors and fuel cells to shape an electric field provided with respect to sensing electrodes for the gas sensors and surfaces of the fuel cells. The shaped electric fields can alter surface dynamics, system thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and adsorption/desorption processes. In one embodiment, ring-shaped electric-field electrodes can be provided around sensing electrodes of a planar gas sensor. Full Article
rf Metal material with a bismuth film attached and method for producing same, surface treatment liquid used in said method, and cationic electrodeposition coated metal material and method for producing same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A metal material is provided with a bismuth coating which enables the subsequent coating to be accomplished at a high throwing power, and has excellent corrosion resistance, coating adhesion and is able to be produced with reduced damage to the environment. The metal material has a surface and a bismuth-containing layer deposited on at least a part of the surface of the metal material, wherein the percentage of bismuth atoms in the number of atoms in the surface layer of the metal material with a bismuth coating is at least 10%. Full Article
rf Turf aerators and tine assemblies for same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST In one embodiment, a turf aerator includes a frame having wheels, a variable displacement pump, an engine for driving at least one of the wheels and driving the pump, a tine assembly supported by the frame and being movable between lowered and raised configurations, and a swash-plate-adjustment linkage extending from the tine assembly to the pump. The tine assembly includes: a base; a hydraulic motor in hydraulic communication with the pump; rotatable cranks powered by the hydraulic motor; a downwardly-extending arm rotatably coupled to each crank; a tine extending downwardly from each downwardly-extending arm; springs operatively anchored to the base; and a guide arm extending between each downwardly-extending arm and a respective spring. The swash-plate-adjustment linkage automatically adjusts the pump with movement of the tine assembly relative to the frame to provide output to the hydraulic motor substantially only when the tine assembly is at the lowered configuration. Full Article
rf Systems and methods for treating a ground surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Some embodiments of a ground surface treatment system can include a flexible roller system having one or more of rollers arranged in a side-by-side position and include a flexible axle member extending through each row of rollers. Full Article
rf Apparatus and methods for facilitating the removal of existing turf and installing new turf By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A turf cutter device, an infill extractor/collector device, and a turf wind-up device are used to facilitate the cost-effective removal of an infilled synthetic turf and the subsequent installation of a new turf at the same site, with minimal subsurface disruption. An infill extractor/collector device mounted on a motorized vehicle moves a relatively narrow strip of filled artificial turf from the surface, in front of the vehicle, and directs the strip to an infill removal station. The infill removal station inverts the strip and redirects the strip back toward the front of the vehicle, after agitating the strip to extract the infill. After redirecting the strip toward the front of the vehicle, the vehicle drives over the unfilled strip. Meanwhile, the extractor/collector device moves the extracted infill rearwardly to a bag located in a trailer. The turf cutter device is used prior to infill extraction, while the turf wind up device may be used before or after infill extraction, depending on whether infill extraction takes place at the field or at a remote site, respectively. Full Article
rf Electrically operated turf stacking system for sod harvesting machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention extends to a stacking mechanism having electrical actuators for stacking slabs of sod on a sod harvesting machine. The electrical actuators allow the stacking head to be driven in three axes. The stacking mechanism also includes position feedback sensors for reporting the position of the stacking head to enable precision when operating the stacking head at a fast rate. The stacking mechanism of the present invention also provides temporary pallet support wings to enable the continued stacking of slabs of sod on one pallet even while another pallet is being dropped from the sod harvesting machine. Full Article
rf Film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface, dicing tape-integrated film for semiconductor back surface, process for producing semiconductor device, and flip chip type semiconductor device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface to be formed on a back surface of a semiconductor element flip chip-connected to an adherend, the film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface containing an inorganic filler in an amount within a range of 70% by weight to 95% by weight based on the whole of the film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface. Full Article
rf Flow underfill for microelectronic packages By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Nov 2015 08:00:00 EST A microelectronic assembly includes a first component with first conductive elements; a second component with second conductive elements; a bond metal; and an underfill layer. The posts have a height above the respective surface from which the posts project. A bond metal can be disposed between respective pairs of conductive elements, each pair including at least one of the posts and at least one of the first or second conductive elements confronting the at least one post. The bond metal can contact edges of the posts along at least one half the height of the posts. An underfill layer contacts and bonds the first and second surfaces of the first and second components. A residue of the underfill layer may be present at at least one interfacial surfaces between at least some of the posts and the bond metal or may be present within the bond metal. Full Article
rf Phase change memory cell with self-aligned vertical heater and low resistivity interface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 Jan 2016 08:00:00 EST A low resistivity interface material is provided between a self-aligned vertical heater element and a contact region of a selection device. A phase change chalcogenide material is deposited directly on the vertical heater element. In an embodiment, the vertical heater element in L-shaped, having a curved vertical wall along the wordline direction and a horizontal base. In an embodiment, the low resistivity interface material is deposited into a trench with a negative profile using a PVD technique. An upper surface of the low resistivity interface material may have a tapered bird-beak extension. Full Article
rf Structure for gunpowder charge in combined fracturing perforation device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This invention provides a structure for gunpowder charge for charging gunpowders of different rates in combined fracturing perforation devices. The structure for gunpowder charge is convenient to mount and transport. In one embodiment, said structure for gunpowder charge comprises an inner gunpowder box located between adjacent perforating charges in the charge frame of a perforation device, and an outer gunpowder box attached to the outer wall of the charge frame, wherein said outer gunpowder box comprises one or two box units (2 or 4) with at least one claw at the inner side of said box unit, said claw can be locked into a groove or installation hole of the charge frame, and wherein said inner gunpowder box and said outer gunpowder box are charged with gunpowders of different burning rates. Full Article
rf Apparatus and method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus and method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting at least one control variable. A drilling performance objective having a value that is influenced by drilling of the borehole using the at least one control variable is defined. A first interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a first value. A second interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a second value. A third interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a third value. The third value is selected based on a comparison of the values of the drilling performance objective while drilling the first interval and second interval to a predetermined optimal value of the drilling performance objective. Full Article
rf Vibrational tool with rotating engagement surfaces and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vibrational tool and method is disclosed, which may be utilized to assist in lowering a drill string into a wellbore. In one embodiment, a reciprocating member and a symmetrical rotating member are mounted within a vibrational tool housing. The reciprocating member is urged in one embodiment by a spring assembly toward the rotating member whereby engagement surfaces on the reciprocating member and rotating member encounter each other. As the rotating member rotates, variable surfaces on the engagement surface cause the reciprocating member to reciprocate as the variable surfaces follow or cam with respect to each other during rotation. The resistance to rotation by engagement surfaces and spring assembly, and mass of the rotating member, result in vibrational forces, when drilling fluid flows through the vibration tool housing. Full Article
rf Optical-interface patterning for radiation detector crystals By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radiation detector is disclosed that includes a scintillation crystal and a plurality of photodetectors positioned to detect low-energy scintillation photons generated within the scintillation crystal. The scintillation crystals are processed using subsurface laser engraving to generate point-like defects within the crystal to alter the path of the scintillation photons. In one embodiment, the defects define a plurality of boundaries within a monolithic crystal to delineate individual detector elements. In another embodiment, the defects define a depth-of-interaction boundary that varies longitudinally to vary the amount of light shared by neighboring portions of the crystal. In another embodiment the defects are evenly distributed to reduce the lateral spread of light from a scintillation event. Two or more of these different aspects may be combined in a single scintillation crystal. Additionally, or alternatively, similar SSLE defects may be produced in other light-guiding elements of the radiation detector. Full Article
rf Surface contamination monitoring system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A surface contamination monitoring system/method configured to correct the detected the radioactive net count rate (NCR) value of a whole-body surface contamination monitoring device based on monitored subject height and thickness is disclosed. The system includes a height detection means for determining the height of a monitored subject and a thickness detection means for determining the thickness of at least a portion of the monitored subject. The net count rate (NCR) is corrected based on the determined height and thickness of the monitored subject as applied to site calibration factor data and self-shielding factor data to produce a corrected net count rate (CNR). If the corrected net count rate (CNR) registers above a preset alarm threshold, the monitored subject is considered contaminated and an appropriate alarm is registered. Full Article
rf Removable surface-wave networks for in-situ material health monitoring By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for measuring properties of a surface under test with surface waves includes a surface wave network including a dielectric substrate, a reactive grid of a plurality of metallic patches on a first surface of the dielectric substrate, a plurality of electronic nodes on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, and a ground plane on a second surface of the dielectric substrate permeable to RF fields of the surface waves, and a controller configured for causing a respective one of the electronic nodes to transmit at least one surface wave and configured for collecting data for signals received by at least one other of the plurality of electronic nodes. Full Article
rf Airflow-organization testing method for a clean room and system using the same method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT An airflow-organization testing method for a clean room and a system using the same method are disclosed. The airflow-organization testing method for a clean room uses a thermal imaging device to detect a sample gas-flow formed by a sample gas in the clean room, and the sample gas has a temperature difference from ambient air. The airflow-organization testing system for a clean room includes a sample gas supplier and a thermal imaging device, and the thermal imaging device can continuously detect a spatial position of the sample gas and display it on a display, thereby improving detection precision and expanding detection range. Full Article
rf Monolithic optical coupling module based on total internal reflection surfaces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Apr 2016 08:00:00 EDT In one aspect, an optical device comprises a monolithic optical module which includes a first total internal reflection (TIR) surface, a second TIR surface adjacent the first TIR surface, and a first optical port aligned with the first internal optical beam dividing interface. An interface between the first TIR surface and the second TIR surface forms a first internal optical beam dividing interface. An exterior surface of the first TIR surface and an exterior surface of the second TIR surface form a generally V-shaped notch on the monolithic optical module. A first optical beam entering the monolithic optical module through the first optical port and incident on the first internal optical beam dividing interface is partially reflected by the first TIR surface to travel in a first direction as a second optical beam and partially reflected by the second TIR surface to travel in a second direction as a third optical beam. The second direction is generally opposite to the first direction. Full Article
rf Apparatus and methods for large particle ash separation from flue gas using screens having semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST Apparatus for separating ash particles from a flue gas. The apparatus includes a screen that has a plurality of semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces. The semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces having holes through which said flue gas flows and through which the ash particles will not pass. The screen has a single layer for performing the separation in a manner such that the ash particles fall away from the screen and collect outside of the screen. A method of reducing velocity of a flue gas passing through screening apparatus for separating flue gas from ash particles. The method includes replacing a first screen of the screening apparatus with a second screen that has a plurality of semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces. Full Article
rf Surface treatment equipment including a laser engraving system for treatment of a strip By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A surface treatment equipment is designed for forming nickel barriers on a plurality of terminals for preventing solder wicking is disclosed. The surface treatment equipment includes a retractable feeding system, a laser engraving system, an image sensor, and a control system. The retractable feeding system is utilized to transmit a strip that has the terminals. The laser engraving system is utilized to ablate the terminals. The image sensor is utilized to collect a plurality of images of the ablated terminals. The control system receives the images to perform image recognition. When a defective terminal is recognized, the control system controls the retractable feeding system to transmit in reverse and controls the laser engraving system to repeatedly ablate the defective terminal. The defective terminals can be automatically recognized by the image sensor accompanying the control system. Thus, the drawback of a human visual inspection is solved. Full Article
rf System and methods of bimodal automatic power and frequency tuning of RF generators By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A radio frequency generator includes a power control module, a frequency control module and a pulse generating module. The power control module is configured to generate a power signal indicating power levels for target states of a power amplifier. The frequency control module is configured to generate a frequency signal indicating frequencies for the target states of the power amplifier. The pulse generating module is configured to (i) supply an output signal to the power amplifier, (ii) recall at least one of a latest power level or a latest frequency for one of the target states of the power amplifier, and (iii) adjust a current power level and a current frequency of the output signal from a first state to a second state based on the power signal, the frequency signal, and at least one of the latest power level and the latest frequency of the power amplifier. Full Article
rf Folding utility surface with built in containers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to utility surfaces. Specifically, the invention relates to a utility surface, generally a table or other flat surface, with drawers attached to the utility surface. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the utility surface and attached drawers may be folded into a collapsed format that is convenient for portability. Full Article
rf Communications device including radio frequency (RF) signal blocking layer for near-field communication (NFC) device and related methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Feb 2014 08:00:00 EST A communications device may include a near-field communication (NFC) circuit device, and a radio frequency (RF) signal blocking member adhesively coupled with the NFC device. The RF signal blocking member may be configured to block RF signal communication by the NFC device while coupled therewith. The RF signal blocking member may comprise an electrical conductor. In accordance with an example, the RF signal blocking member may comprise a frangible layer. In another example, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer may be included for adhesively securing the RF signal blocking member with the NFC device. Full Article
rf Dynamic cancellation of passive intermodulation interference By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wireless communication node (10) dynamically estimates passive intermodulation (PIM) interference coupled into the node's receive path from the transmission of a composite signal through the node's transmit path. The node (10) then cancels the estimated PIM interference in the receive path. In some embodiments, the node dynamically estimates the PIM interference as a function of the composite signal that models PIM interference generation and coupling in the node (10) according to one or more coefficients (30). The coefficients (30) may be determined by transmitting a test signal (34) during a test stage, when the node (10) is not scheduled to receive any signal. Later, when the composite signal (18) is transmitted, the node (10) uses the coefficients (10) to dynamically estimate and cancel the resulting PIM interference. Full Article
rf Electrosurgical apparatus with real-time RF tissue energy control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radio-frequency (RF) amplifier having a direct response to an arbitrary signal source to output one or more electrosurgical waveforms within an energy activation request, is disclosed. The RF amplifier includes a phase compensator coupled to an RF arbitrary source, the phase compensator configured to generate a reference signal as a function of an arbitrary RF signal from the RF arbitrary source and a phase control signal; at least one error correction amplifier coupled to the phase compensator, the at least one error correction amplifier configured to output a control signal at least as a function of the reference signal; and at least one power component coupled to the at least one error correction amplifier and to a high voltage power source configured to supply high voltage direct current thereto, the at least one power component configured to operate in response to the control signal to generate at least one component of the at least one electrosurgical waveform. Full Article
rf RF channel amplification module with instantaneous power limiting function By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radio frequency channel amplification module for communication satellite, comprises an input configured to convey an input radio frequency signal, an output configured to restore a pre-amplified output radio frequency signal intended to power a travelling wave tube amplifier that can be equipped with linearization means with predistortion, at least one first upstream gain control module arranged downstream of the input and one second downstream gain control module arranged downstream of the first upstream gain control module and upstream of any linearization means by predistortion. The channel amplification module also comprises an instantaneous power limiter intended to clip the peaks of the input radio frequency signals with a level exceeding a determined threshold value, the instantaneous power limiter being arranged in series between said first upstream gain control module and said second downstream gain control module. Full Article
rf Power distortion-based servo control systems for frequency tuning RF power sources By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radio frequency system includes a power amplifier that outputs a radio frequency signal to a matching network via a transmission line between the power amplifier and the matching network. A sensor monitors the radio frequency signal and generates first sensor signals based on the radio frequency signal. A distortion module determines a first distortion value according to at least one of (i) a sinusoidal function of the first sensor signals and (ii) a cross-correlation function of the first sensor signals. A first correction circuit (i) generates a first impedance tuning value based on the first distortion value and a first predetermined value, and (ii) provides feedforward control of impedance matching performed within the matching network including outputting the first impedance tuning value to one of the power amplifier and the matching network. Full Article
rf Systems and methods for providing modulation of switchmode RF power amplifiers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods are provided for generating an amplitude modulation signal to a switchmode power amplifier. A DC to DC switch is configured to receive a DC input voltage and to provide a DC output voltage. A low dropout regulator is configured to provide the amplitude modulation signal according to a modulation control signal received by the low dropout regulator. A control circuit is configured to establish a nominal operating power level for the power amplifier via the amplitude modulation signal and to maintain a minimum voltage difference between the DC output voltage and the low dropout regulator output. A modulator control circuit is configured to provide the modulation control signal to the low dropout regulator. The modulator control circuit provides the transition from a high amplitude to a low amplitude and a transition from the low amplitude to the high amplitude at configurable first and second slopes, respectively. Full Article
rf Interface between a receptacle body and an insert designed, in particular, as a tool holder of a workpiece holder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An interface between a receptacle body and an insert designed, in particular, as a tool or workpiece insert, comprises a receptacle body (2) having a cylindrical receiving bore (4), which is circumscribed by a first plane surface (6) extending at a right angle to the bore axis and in which a first cone surface (9) is arranged, said first cone surface being coaxial with the bore axis and being arranged so that its tapered end faces toward the plane surface. The insert (3) has a pin (15) that is disposed to be plugged into the receiving bore (4) and is circumscribed by a second plane surface (22). At an axial distance from the second plane surface (22), said pin has a second cone surface (22), the tapered end of said second cone surface being arranged so as to face toward the second plane surface. With the pin (15) inserted in the receiving bore (4), the two plane surfaces are in superimposed contact while the two cone surfaces (9, 22) can be biased relative to each other by limited twisting of the insert relative to the receptacle body. Full Article
rf Controlled surface roughness in vacuum retention By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST An apparatus, particularly a chuck for retaining a thin part for micro-machining processing, is disclosed. The chuck is formed of a plate-shaped body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plate-shaped body includes a light-transmissive material, and at least one of the first surface or the second surface is a roughened surface. The chuck can be incorporated into a micro-machining system using a chuck support that allows light through to backlight a processed part for inspection. Full Article
rf Cutting tool lock nut having grooved collet-locking surface and cutting tool incorporating same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cutting tool includes a chuck, a compressible conical collet and a lock nut for locking the collet. The cutting tool lock nut has a nut portion with a threaded portion for threading with the chuck, and a locking portion with a collet-locking surface formed with angled coolant grooves thereon. The collet-locking surface presses on the collet head, thereby compressing it to grip a tool shank in a collet bore thereof. As the locking portion presses only against a peripheral surface of the collet head, the lock nut is suitable for locking collets with different bore diameters. When the chuck is provided with a coolant fluid, the coolant fluid flows through the chuck and through the collet towards the locking portion, passing through the coolant notches between the locking portion and the collet head, and sprayed towards a location along the tool shank. Full Article
rf Air motor having a programmable logic controller interface and a method of retrofitting an air motor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pump assembly having an air motor includes a valve connected to a motive fluid inlet of the air motor. The valve shifts between a first position, in which a flow of motive fluid is directed into a pilot port, through a two way pilot conduit and into a pilot chamber portion, and a second position, in which the flow of motive fluid is inhibited from flowing into the pilot port through the two way pilot conduit and into the pilot chamber portion, and in which fluid in the pilot chamber portion flows out through the two way pilot conduit and is directed by the valve to exhaust. The valve is connected to a programmable logic controller, so that the valve is shifted between the first position and the second position in response to the programmable logic controller. Full Article
rf Methods and devices for identifying, sensing and tracking objects over a surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 08:00:00 EST Methods and devices are disclosed for identifying objects over a surface and for tracking the position of said objects in relation to the sensing surface. The methods include the steps of providing an array of electrodes or coils that generating electromagnetic radiation having a individual characteristic frequencies of oscillation. Objects in proximity to the sensing surface(s) couple electromagnetically to the array of electrodes or coils, which then alters the characteristic frequency of one or more elements in the array. By monitoring the individual frequency shifts among the array elements, one or more objects in proximity to the surface can be sensed and identified. Quantitative identification and enhanced detection of the objects is achieved through the use of electromagnetic markers affixed or embedded in the objects in specified geometric patterns. In addition, a method is presented for scanning the sensing array, through the use of a second layer of electrodes that selectively mask or modulate the sensing field. Full Article
rf Wafer surface inspection apparatus and wafer surface inspection method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT A wafer surface inspection method and apparatus of high sensitivity, and free from performance degradation in terms of cleanliness, coordinate repeatability of foreign particles and the like. Gas for cooling is sprayed onto a laser irradiation position on the wafer surface to prevent an increase in temperature of the foreign particles and to suppress break-down of the foreign particles. Full Article
rf Support for supporting a structure on a surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A support for supporting a structure on a surface, comprising at least one support element, each support element comprising a piston, a cylinder in which the piston is moveable, and a brake for maintaining the piston in a position that is stable relative to the cylinder, wherein the piston and the cylinder are arranged so that a loading associated with the structure effects an adjustment of the support element, and wherein an increase in hydraulic pressure within the cylinder, effected by the loading associated with the structure, activates the brake. Full Article
rf Airflow control device for an automotive vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An airflow control device is mounted to the front end of an automotive vehicle and includes an upper air scoop section having a scoop channel disposed rearward of a bumper assembly and oriented to direct airflow entering a bumper intake opening toward an air-receiving powertrain component. A lower air dam section extends downwardly from the upper section to be positioned below a lower extent of the bumper assembly to deflect airflow away from an underside of the vehicle. Full Article
rf Membrane surface modification By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Processes for preparation of macroporous membranes having unusually high equilibrium protein binding capacities are described. Membranes include a self-supporting porous membrane substrate and a grafted polymeric film on the pore surfaces of the substrate. A polymeric film may be grafted to the porous membrane substrate using surface-initiated polymerization. The grafted polymer chains within the polymeric film can act as molecular ‘brushes’ or ‘tentacles’ in solution and can contain one or more capture chemistries for biomolecules. Membranes can be used in the separation and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, virus or virus-like particles, endotoxins, and the like. Full Article
rf Cleaning structure for floating oil and substance on water surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cleaning structure for floating oil and substance on water surface provided by the present invention comprises at least one cleaning ball and a threading rope. The cleaning ball comprises a plurality of yarns arranged in parallel, and a tie is used for bundling the yarns at the middle section to form a ball structure. A fixing ring is threaded with the tie, and the threading rope is threaded through the fixing ring of each of the cleaning balls. The tie of each of the cleaning balls can be threaded with the threading rope in equal intervals beforehand, and the cleaning balls formed by bundling the side by side arranged yarns with the ties are arranged on the threading rope in equal intervals to form the cleaning structure. The yarns of the cleaning ball can be made of water repellent fiber yarn or water repellent reticulated yarn which can be spread as an expanded absorbing surface while floating on water surface, and the gaps of each of the fiber yarns are formed as spaces for absorbing floating oil and substance. The cleaning structure made of the water repellent material can be prevented from absorbing water and sinking. Thereby, floating oil and substance can be cleaned effectively. Full Article
rf Fluidic interface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides for fluidic connections to be established between tubes, ports, fluidic components and fluidic devices. The leak-tight connections are formed through controlled, compressive forces and can be used for both low and high pressure applications. Full Article
rf Method of inhibiting surface gelation of an uncured gelcoat composition By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method to prevent gelation of an uncured gelcoat composition during storage is described. The method includes applying a gelation inhibitor to the surface of a gelcoat composition in the container to prevent premature gelation. The gelation inhibitor additionally prevents the formation of a crust on the inner surface of storage container lids. Full Article
rf RF power converter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This disclosure relates to radio frequency (RF) power converters and methods of operating the same. In one embodiment, an RF power converter includes an RF switching converter, a low-drop out (LDO) regulation circuit, and an RF filter. The RF filter is coupled to receive a pulsed output voltage from the RF switching converter and a supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit. The RF filter is operable to alternate between a first RF filter topology and a second RF filter topology. In the first RF filter topology, the RF filter is configured to convert the pulsed output voltage from a switching circuit into the supply voltage. The RF filter in the second RF filter topology is configured to filter the supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit to reduce a ripple variation in a supply voltage level of the supply voltage. As such, the RF filter provides greater versatility. Full Article
rf Multiple mode RF power converter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This disclosure relates to radio frequency (RF) power converters and methods of operating the same. In one embodiment, an RF power converter includes an RF switching converter, a low-drop out (LDO) regulation circuit, and an RF filter. The RF filter is coupled to receive a pulsed output voltage from the RF switching converter and a supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit. The RF filter is operable to alternate between a first RF filter topology and a second RF filter topology. In the first RF filter topology, the RF filter is configured to convert the pulsed output voltage from a switching circuit into the supply voltage. The RF filter in the second RF filter topology is configured to filter the supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit to reduce a ripple variation in a supply voltage level of the supply voltage. As such, the RF filter provides greater versatility. Full Article
rf Method and apparatus for optimizing linear regulator transient performance By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A voltage regulator compensation circuit provides power to a dynamic load and includes a power transistor configured to drive the dynamic load, a reference determining transistor configured to establish a voltage reference proportional to a regulated output voltage of the power transistor, and a control circuit coupled to a gate input of both the power transistor and the reference determining transistor. Also included is a comparison engine configured to compare the regulated output voltage and the voltage reference, and a current consuming transistor operatively coupled to an output of the power transistor and configured to provide a varying secondary load. The comparison engine is configured to control the current consuming transistor to increase current draw or decrease current draw from the power transistor based on the difference between the regulated output voltage and the voltage reference. Full Article
rf Airport surface collision-avoidance system (ASCAS) By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for performing airport surface collision-avoidance. A wingtip-mounted camera allows the pilot to positively ascertain that the wingtip will clear objects located in the video. An exemplary system implemented on an aircraft includes a wingtip module having a camera that generates a video stream and a communication device that transmits the generated video stream. A processor receives the video stream and generates a reticule for the video stream. A display device simultaneously presents the video stream and the reticule. The reticule includes a horizon line and is based on a focal length of a lens of the camera and height of the camera above ground. The reticule includes curved and/or straight distance lines and curved or straight travel lines. The travel line(s) correspond to at least one aircraft component or a zone of importance and are based on location of the camera and trajectory of the aircraft. Full Article